American Carved Mahogany Gueridons

- Item No.

Key Features

Item Details

Height:
26 3/4 Inches

Diameter:
16 7/8 Inches

Period:
19th Century

Origin:
America

This elegant pair of American guéridon tables incorporates a bold Rococo style. Carved of exquisite Cuban mahogany, these tables boast tops of luxurious marble, which are supported by three magnificent caryatid figures sitting patiently beneath a frieze of beautiful pierced shell carvings. Designed to hold candles and other small items, these tables combine elegant design with innovative craftsmanship to create a truly graceful piece.

Circa 1860

16 7/8" diameter x 26 ¾" high

Guéridons originated in France in the mid-17th century. Originally referring to a tall candle stand with a tripod base, guéridons were made in pairs to go on either side of a table, with complementary decoration. In the beginning, the tables were supported by the figure of a blackamoor, usually with upraised hands, and it is thought that the name "guéridon," came from the name that was generally given to young African grooms, who were also known as "tigers." The design also often incorporated figures from ancient Egypt or Greece.

Guéridons also evolved into the "service au guéridon," in which the dish is presented for the guest to admire and then placed on a side table for preparation and carving. Eventually, the guéridon would also become a wheeled cart for displaying desserts, cheeses, and more.